<h2>SUNS Legends Announce Retirement Ahead of Historic Inaugural Finals Series - Three Point Summary:&nbsp;</h2> <p>-Inaugural Gold Coast SUNS draft pick David Swallow and veteran Sean Lemmens announce retirement at season's end</p> <p>-Both players informed teammates of the decision ahead of the club's historic first AFL final against Fremantle</p> <p>-Combined 396 games of experience will conclude distinguished careers with the Gold Coast franchise</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>David Swallow and Sean Lemmens have announced their retirement from AFL football, ending distinguished careers with Gold Coast ahead of Saturday's finals clash.</p> <p>The first-ever Gold Coast Suns draft pick, and the last remaining inaugural Sun, will hang up the boots, with the veteran holding out hope that he can earn selection in his first-ever Final after 247 AFL games.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Gold Coast Legends Call Time on AFL Careers</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Two of Gold Coast SUNS' most respected figures will hang up their boots at season's end, with inaugural draft selection David Swallow and veteran defender Sean Lemmens announcing their retirement on Tuesday morning.</p> <p>The emotional announcement came during a team meeting attended by both players' families, just days before the club's maiden AFL final against Fremantle at Optus Stadium this Saturday.</p> <p>Swallow's journey with the Gold Coast Suns began in 2010 when he became the franchise's first-ever National Draft selection with Pick 1. The midfielder made his debut in Round 2, 2011, in the club's inaugural AFL match against Carlton at the Gabba, cementing his place in Queensland football history.</p> <h2>&nbsp;</h2> <h2>Swallow's Legacy as Foundation Player</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The 32-year-old's contribution to the Gold Coast extends far beyond his 200-plus games. Swallow served in official leadership positions from 2014-2023, including a stint as co-captain alongside Jarrod Witts from 2019-2021. His achievements include winning the SUNS Club Champion award in 2014 and finishing on the podium four additional times.</p> <p>In 2020, Swallow became the club's first life member, while 2023 saw him make history as the first SUN to reach 200 games. The Players' Player Award was renamed the 'David Swallow Award' in 2024, recognising his embodiment of club values and leadership qualities.</p> <p>"This club gave me a chance a long time ago. I'll forever be indebted to the SUNS and am so thankful for the opportunities this club has afforded me and my family," Swallow reflected during Tuesday's announcement.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Lemmens' Dedicated Service Spans 12 Seasons</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Sean Lemmens' AFL career began in Round 1, 2014, establishing himself as a consistent performer across 12 seasons with Gold Coast. The 30-year-old defender earned recognition in the club's leadership group during 2022 and 2023, demonstrating his value both on and off the field.</p> <p>As a proud Tiwi man, Lemmens represented the Indigenous All Stars in 2015 and has been instrumental in elevating the club's Indigenous programs. His mentorship of both AFL and AFLW players has made him a respected figure throughout the Gold Coast system.</p> <p>"I have made so many lifelong friends along the way, there are so many people at the club today that I absolutely love," Lemmens said. "To the playing group, it's been an absolute privilege to go to work every day with such a connected group that I care about so much."</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Perfect Timing for Historic Finals Campaign</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Both retirements come at a significant moment in Gold Coast SUNS history, with the club preparing for its first-ever AFL final. The timing allows both players to potentially conclude their careers on the ultimate high, having waited their entire tenures for this breakthrough moment.</p> <p>Gold Coast CEO Mark Evans praised both players' contributions, describing Swallow as deserving "a special place in SUNS' history" while highlighting Lemmens' impact as "one of the most impactful players to play for the club throughout our journey so far."</p> <p>The combined 396 games of experience between Swallow and Lemmens represent an enormous loss of institutional knowledge, but their legacy will continue through the foundation they've helped establish at Gold Coast.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>How Far can the Gold Coast Suns go in the 2025 Finals?</h2>